St Cross Seminar: Dr Margaret Yee

Title: "Whose Ethics? Six Principles and Six Guidelines determinative of a superior ethics"

Abstract: "In this exploratory presentation it will be suggested that perplexing moral dilemmas may be resolved effectively by employing a meta-ethics, consisting of six designated principles, which are multi-dimensional, critical and inclusive, and six theologically informed guidelines. The six principles to be discussed will be concerned with whether one’s world view is bounded or unbounded; one’s claims and assumptions are questioned or unquestioned; one’s method of approach is inclusive or exclusive; one’s enquiry is examined both logically and empirically with cross-checks; and whether open, two-way respectful exchange between researchers is followed. The six guidelines designated are transparency, honesty, integrity, truth, compassion and humility. These six factors, though drawn from the Christian concept of "Agape," the Greatest Love in the World, are considered worthwhile to adopt, since they are universal in form and capable of being agreed generally by all, regardless of religious persuasion. Above all, the interest of this paper is to seek valuable feedback from ethicists on thoughts/problems which may appear to stem from definitions/interpretations of religious and non-religious moral values."

Bio: Dr Yee's research interests include current issues in theology and the sciences; Methodology and epistemology; The Principles of Knowing: Science, Humanities and Theology; Psychology of Religion; human consciousness and the human person.

Further details: This talk will be followed by a drinks reception and a dinner, and is open to all. However, those wishing to attend either the talk or dinner must email rachel.gaminiratne@philosophy.ox.ac.uk